Everything we’ve seen and heard about the Whiskey 5 rifle scopes is proving to be very positive in deed. The Whiskey 5 line of scopes really benefits from combining outstanding high-end features and magnification ranges, with mid to low high-end pricing. When considering quality optics the Whiskey 5 scopes offer a quite a lot, while being accessible to a larger market.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 Scopes

The Whiskey 5 line of rifle scopes provides six separate scopes to cover a wide range of shooter needs. These are professional-grade optics with some of the most advanced features in any scope or optic currently available.

This includes Sig’s HDX™ scope glass system that provides both High Definition (ED) and High Transmittance (HT) glass for extremely high-resolution and light transmission. I’ve often been asked if there really is much difference in high-end and mid-range rifle scopes to justify such large price increases. Yes, there is! I always tell people superior glass is very distinguishable, and makes a huge difference for visual clarity, particularly as the distance increases.

In addition to high-quality glass, Sig Sauer coats their lenses with Lens Armor™. This abrasion-resistant coating provides outstanding protection from scratches and nicks on the outer surfaces of the glass, without interfering with light transmission or glass clarity.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 scopes are designed to endure the harshest conditions, while the lenses stay clear.

Not stopping there, Sig Sauer also adds a Lens Shield™ coating providing oleophobic protection. This coating literally sheds water, oil, and debris from the lenses to keep the sight picture clear for the shooter. Think of it like professionally waxing your car to the point water and debris literally slide right off. This is incredibly valuable for police snipers who must be crystal clear on what they are shooting. These types of extra protections is often a sign of departure from low-mid level scopes to the higher end scopes.

Sig Sauger uses their HellFire™ Reticle for the Whiskey 5 line of scopes. The HellFire is an electronically controlled illuminated reticle using fiber-optic technology. The HellFire reticle combines a crisp duplex crosshair with a fine central aiming point that is illuminated. The HellFire dot has settings from IR to HellFire bright for daylight shooting. All Whiskey 5 scopes come with a second focal plane (SFP) reticle.

Here’s a great video by Vortex on the difference between FFP and SFP reticles:

Ah, and then there are the turret features! Something near and dear to my heart is good turrets with positive controls and settings. Sig Sauer offers their Sig Ballistic Turret (SBT)™ on the Whiskey 5 scopes. This turret system is matched to your shooting system, and comes with a laser-etched elevation dial. This electro-optics rifle scope takes inputs including bullet specifications, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, elevation, and environmental factors to provide correct bullet drop compensation (BDC) for pinpoint accuracy. That’s a mouth-full, but the Whiskey 5 scopes are for real.

Sig Sauer thinks outside the box with their Stealth ID™. This provides these scopes “deflection armor” using trapezoidal surfaces to break-up the overall shape and profile of the scope. There are also pistol serrations and grip checkering to add function to these scopes.

The Whiskey 5 rheostat is the only turret with exposed control settings. The magnification ring has a small, raised lever to assist in adjustments. A larger (but not too tall) lever would have been better for some of the options, especially the 1-5×20 and 2-10×42 scopes. Sig Sauer provides an unlimited lifetime warranty on the scope and manufacturing. There is a 5-year warranty on the electronic components.

Laser-etched turrets for the Whiskey 5 scopes.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 Common Features

One-piece aluminum construction

Second focal plane (SFP) reticles

HDX™ scope glass – high-definition, high transmission

Spectracoat™ multi-coatings on exterior lenses

Lens Armor™ abrasion resistant coating

Lens Shield™ oleophobic lens protection

HellFire™ illuminated reticle options

Sig Ballistic Turret compatible

Laser-etched turret markings

Stealth ID™ trapezoidal profiles

Waterproof: IPX7 (1 meter)

Fog-proof lenses

Unlimited lifetime guarantee on scope and glass

5-year warrant on electronic components

Standard non-illuminated Quadplex reticle optional for less.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 1-5×20) rifle scope.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (1-5×20) Scope

At the low-end magnification there is the 1-5x20mm scope. In the midst of monumental push for magnified optics with a true reflex shooting capability, the crazy Swiss have gone rogue in their 1-5x magnification range. These scopes are particularly advantageous for the AR-15 and other Modern Sporting Rifles (MSR), but have also found homes with 30-30 rifles, or other shorter-range bush guns.

Several years ago the market was introduced to the 1-4x scopes with much fanfare. Following in fairly rapid succession, the 1-6x scopes, and just this year the 1-8x scopes, have added to the versatility of magnified reflex scopes. Having a 1-5x option, Sig Sauer provides a great in-between for shooters considering a 1-4x or 1-6x option. The Whiskey 5 scopes have a battleship gray appearance with black turrets and controls.

This AR-15 set up, with the Whiskey 5 1-5×20) scope is really nice.

Somewhat surprising is Sig Sauer’s decision to make the 1-5×20 scope with a 1-inch tube, rather than a better 30mm tube. There are plenty of fine 1-inch tube scopes on the market, but the increased light from a 30mm tube cannot be beat in comparison. However, all of Sig Sauer’s high-end features do make up for some of the lost light from a smaller tube. Another hindrance, in my opinion, is the objective lens drops to a tiny 20mm. A shooter should really spend some time looking through this optic to make sure it will satisfy their needs.

The Whiskey 5 1-5x20mm scope uses a second focal plane (SFP) reticle system that is pretty common for these lower-end magnification scopes. This reticle will remain the same size over the entire magnification range. Many shooters prefer this type of reticle as the reticle does not enlarge to reduce overall sight picture. The benefits of a first focal plane (FFP) reticle is the reticle changes in size to keep the hold-over markings (typically Mil-Dot) accurate over the entire magnification range. With most shots for these magnified reflex scopes hovering at 200 yards and in, the (SFP) reticle should not interfere with accurate shooting.

The Whiskey 5 (1-5×20) turrets are capped for protection, but this slows down a shooter’s ease to make adjustments to point of impact (POI) during more dynamic shooting situations. Capped turrets are not our preference for that very reason. Writing for our law enforcement community, having to unscrew caps during critical shooting engagements is not smart. Many capped turrets are only protected from the elements when capped, another big concern.

Sig Sauer goes into the finer details on turret construction as well. In addition to the Sig Ballistic Turret capability, the turrets have their control markings laser-etched. This should ensure lifetime readability and function.

Two HellFire™ reticle options are available on the Whiskey 5 (1-5×20).

There are two reticle options for the Whiskey 5 (1-5×20) scope – the HellFire™ Triplex and HellFire™ Circleplex. Both are forms of a duplex reticle, though I prefer the Triplex for this scope. I like how the crosshairs turn very fine towards the center and top, and really highlight the illuminated center dot. This is beneficial for both reflexive and distance shooting. The Circleplex is a decent reticle, but that circle with start to interfere with precision shots as the distance to target grows.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (1-5×20) Specifications

Material: Aluminum

Tube Diameter: 1.0 inch

Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm

Ocular Bell Diameter: 1.7 inches

Overall Length: 10.6 inches

Weight: 17.2 ounces

Focal Plane: Second

Illumination: 9 daytime, 2 night vision

Exit Pupil: 10.6mm (1x), 4.0mm (5x)

Eye Relief: 3.9 to 4.0 inches

Field of View (FOV) @ 100 yards: 100.4 feet (1x), 20.2 (5x)

Turret Adjustment Value: 0.5 MOA per click

Turret Adjustment Range: 120 MOA (elevation), 110 MOA (windage)

MSRP: $839.99.

We have found the Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (1-5×20) scope from online companies for nearly half the MSRP, bringing the street price to around $450. At that price this magnified reflex optic is very competitive.

The Whiskey 5 (2-10×42) scope is a rare find in this magnification range.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (2-10×42) Scope

The second scope in the Whiskey 5 line is a very nice 2-10×42 option. This is where many scope manufacturers drop the ball, the jump from reflex optic to mid-range magnification scopes. Many companies do not realize there is a big need and desire for a scope just above reflex, but still allows good magnification at distances. The Whiskey 5 (2-10×42) model is a great option for hunters and law enforcement alike.

Being able to dial down to a mere 2x magnification is a big benefit for shooters who need to engage close-in targets, with extreme precision. Imagine a hostage-taker situation in close confines, where a sniper may have to get very close to make a shot. The sniper wants to be able to clearly see the target area, but absolutely needs to be able to precisely place those crosshairs on the bad guy and away from the hostage.

This same feature is great for hunters who may get surprised by that trophy buck sneaking in close, or who change hunting terrain from wide open to wooded frequently. Though there are some models out their that drop to a 2x magnification, they also tend to only go up to around 7x power and have smaller lenses. The Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (2-10×42) scope is an excellent selection in this magnification range, going from 2x to 10x, and boasting a very respectful 42mm objective lens.

Using a 1-inch tube again, the Whiskey 5 somewhat hinders itself from gaining the best light transmission available. The added lens features will make up for some of that reduction, but a 30mm tube would have been a better selection.

Once again, Sig Sauer chooses capped turrets for this scope, which is not our preference. Law enforcement snipers need to be able to make quick references and minute adjustments on the fly. Time is critical in a life-or-death police matter. However, the Whiskey 5 scopes are marketed as a hunting rifle scope, where adjustments can often be made in less stressful circumstances with a reduced time restriction.

The Whiskey 5 (2-10×42) scope offers (2) reticles.

The 2-10×42 Whiskey 5 scope offers two illuminated reticle options. The first is the HellFire™ Triplex that we have already seen on the 1-5×20 scope. This is a good general scope, and should do fine out to medium ranges. The second reticle is the HellFire™ Quadplex reticle. This is another duplex dot reticle option, but this brings thicker crosshairs to near center, before fine crosshairs meet the center dot. I’m not a fan of thick crosshair posts, especially so close to the center targeting spot. This may be fine for some shooters, but I would select the Triplex reticle.

The Whiskey 5 (2-10×42) scope will also be a second focal plane (SFP) scope. Since the reticle options do not have hold-over hash marks or Mil-Dots the selection of an SFP may not be as worrisome. However, as the distance to target grows it does make it harder to zero in on an aiming point, requiring the shooter to have a great understanding of their turrets and bullet drop. This brings back up the capped turrets dilemma that must be considered.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (2-10×42) Specifications

Material: Aluminum

Tube Diameter: 1.0 inch

Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm

Ocular Bell Diameter: 1.7 inches

Overall Length: 13.7 inches

Weight: 21.0 ounces

Focal Plane: Second

Illumination: 9 daytime, 2 night vision

Exit Pupil: 10.7mm (1x), 4.2mm (5x)

Eye Relief: 4.0 to 4.1 inches

Field of View (FOV) @ 100 yards: 49.1 feet (2x), 9.9 (10x)

Turret Adjustment Value: .25 MOA or 1 CM (Triplex reticle) per click

Turret Adjustment Range: 96 MOA (elevation), 96 MOA (windage)

MSRP: $959.99.

Thankfully, once again a quick search on the internet has found the Whiskey 5 (2-10×42) scopes at nearly half the MSRP, bringing their prices into the $450-500 range. When considering all of the positive features of these scopes the Whisky 5 is really competitive.

Notice the very large objective bell on the Whiskey 5 (2.4-12×56) scope.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (2.4-12×56) Scope

Just when you thought the 2-10×42 scope filled a needed gap in magnification ranges for scopes, Sig Sauer adds another option in the 2.4-12×56 Whiskey 5. The third in the line of Whiskey 5 scopes raises the magnification range just so ever slightly. The 2.4x low-end power is very good for those close-in shots, while the higher 12x power allows the shooter to reach out even further with clarity and confidence.

This 2.4-12×56 scope might be the most ideal magnification range in the Whiskey 5 line of scopes, and in all scopes in general. There are very few situations that the majority of law enforcement snipers or hunters could not dial to the proper magnification to engage their target effectively with this range. In addition, this is the first scope in the Whiskey 5 line that jumps to a 30mm tube over the 1-inch tube. This is a much better option in our opinion for greater light transmission and overall sight clarity. At the same time, this scope still providing a great magnification range.

The further apart the bore (barrel) and scope (sight) are, the more adjustments are required to match POA to POI.

One of the drawbacks to the Whiskey 5 (2.4-12×56) scope is the very large objective lens bell supporting the awesome 56mm objective lens. Sig Sauer has kept their objective bell completely circular, so the scope will have to be mounted higher to properly fit onto the shooter’s rifle of choice. This means the bore-to-sight offset is much greater, and will have the highest effect when a shooter is engaging closer targets.

The higher the bore-to-sight offset is, the more accommodation must be made to ensure a shot hits where the shooter aimed. This can come from turret adjustments (more if the offset is large), or a shooter understanding their offset and its impact influence, and making manual hold-overs. The first is more precise, and likely required for law enforcement work, while the second can be acceptable for target or hunting situations.

The nice HellFire™ Triplex reticle is the only option for the 2.4-12×56 scope.

The 2.4-12×56 Whiskey 5 only offers the HellFire™ Triplex reticle option. This is a good illuminated reticle that uses very fine crosshairs from midway on the sides, bottom, and the entire top line. When the crosshairs reach the center an illuminated dot awaits for fairly precise shooting in a variety of lighting conditions.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (2.4-12×56) Specifications

Material: Aluminum

Tube Diameter: 30mm

Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm

Ocular Bell Diameter: 1.8 inches

Overall Length: 14.6 inches

Weight: 29.0 ounces

Focal Plane: Second

Illumination: 9 daytime, 2 night vision

Exit Pupil: 11.6mm (1x), 4.7mm (5x)

Eye Relief: 3.9 to 4.0 inches

Field of View (FOV) @ 100 yards: 43.1 feet (2x), 9.3 (10x)

Turret Adjustment Value: 1 CM per click

Turret Adjustment Range: 62 MOA (elevation), 62 MOA (windage)

MSRP: $1439.99.

The Whiskey 5 (2.4-12×56) scope can be purchased from a variety of online vendors for much less than the MSRP. Once again, other than perhaps the very large objective bell mounting issues, the 2.4-12×56 scope could be one of the best overall options. Coming with a 30mm tube and very large 56mm objective lens, the light transmission could be best among the entire Whiskey 5 line.

The Whiskey 5 (3-15×52) scope is a nice option as well.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (3-15×44) Scope

The Whiskey 5 (3-15×44) scope is the fourth option in the Whiskey 5 line, and also uses a 30mm tube. This is highly advantageous, especially as the shooter dials up magnification for greater distance shots. In a somewhat interesting move, the 3-15x scope actually reduces the objective bell size from the 2.4-12x option, and only uses a 44mm objective lens.

This is perfectly fine, and likely more beneficial to the shooter. First, the 44mm objective lens is going to allow in ample light. Combined with the larger 30mm tube, the amount of light reaching the shooter’s eyes is going to be fantastic. This means crisper targeting images in a much larger low-light time frame.

Second, the slightly smaller objective bell might be mountable using mid-riser rings, as opposed to moving the scope much higher off of the bore with the 44mm objective lens requiring high-risers. Though losing some lighting, this is one time the rise of the scope becomes an important selection decision.

The Whiskey 5 (3-15×44) scope offers (2) reticles.

The Whiskey 5 (3-15×44) scope offers both the HellFire™ Triplex and HellFire™ Quadplex reticles. As stated before, the Triplex reticle is a much better option in our opinion due to the finer crosshairs leading to the center aiming point.

The capped turrets are not ideal, but help to keep the pricing down while offering other great features. Scopes that have exposed turrets require heavier-duty waterproofing, often with O-rings and other methods. This is because there is nothing in between the turret and the elements. Using caps is much cheaper, but only provides the protection (typically) when the caps are in place. If adjustments need to be made, there is potential for water exposure when the turrets are uncapped.

The magnification range is very nice. Starting with the very common 3x power, the Whiskey 5 goes well beyond most scopes by extending the magnification range to an impressive 15x. This larger magnification range will reap huge benefits to law enforcement or hunters. However, for some reason the Whiskey 5 (3-15×44) scope only has one night-vision setting as opposed to the two night-vision settings on most of the line.

For the life of me, I do not know why Sig Sauer chose to drop back down to a 1-inch tube for this option. High quality glass and coatings are definitely noteworthy, but the drop to a 1-inch tube is disappointing for this magnification range. Staying with the 30mm tube would have been a much stronger option for Sig Sauer.

Like the rest of the Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 line of scopes we have found much more affordable prices when searching internet providers. In fact, one provider has the Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (3-15×44) scope listed at nearly half the MSRP. At about $550, this scope is not only affordable, but is incredibly competitive.

The Whiskey 5 (3-15×52) scope.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (3-15×52) Scope

To ensure as many shooters are accommodated as possible, Sig Sauer also includes a Whiskey 5 (3-15×52) option. If a shooter is not worried about the larger objective bell, and is most likely going to engage long-range targets, the Whiskey 5 (3-15×52) provides just enough advantage to be a serious consideration.

Just like the Whiskey 5 (3-15×44) option, the Whiskey 5 (3-15×52) version offers all of the same features, but increases the objective bell to provide more light. As we previously stated, this could be beneficial (more light, better sight picture), or it could be detrimental (larger bell means higher scope placement) as we stated above. This decision is up to the shooter, and should be made on the intended shot distances.

In addition, the Whiskey 5 (3-15×52) scope utilizes the larger 30mm scope tube over the 1-inch tube found on the Whiskey 5 (3-15×44). We are big advocates of the 30mm tube, as it allows in so much more light to increase sight picture and clarity.

If medium to long-range shots are what is expected, than a larger objective bell makes sense. If short to medium range shots are going to be more prevalent, then sacrificing for a slightly smaller objective bell to provide shorter bore-to-sight offset should be much more beneficial. Know your target to know your scope!

The Whiskey 5 (3-15×52) scope offers (2) illuminated reticles.

The Whiskey 5 (3-15×52) scope provides shooters with two illuminated reticle options. The Sig Sauer HellFire™ Triplex reticle is a very nice reticle, though it may suffer some pinpoint accuracy at long distance targets. The Sig Sauer HellFire™ Quadplex reticle is nice, but not my preferred reticle. This is because of the larger posts that extend almost to the very center of the crosshair. This can block overall sight picture, where the Triplex uses finer crosshairs that leave a much cleaner center dot aiming point.

The choice between the Whiskey 5 (3-15×44) scope and the Whiskey 5 (3-15×52) scope really depends on the shooter’s anticipated target range. Like all the other Whiskey 5 scopes, this option also uses a second focal plane (SFP) reticle. This scope is also quite a bit heavier, coming in at around 1.75 pounds. Most of the competitive scopes in this arena are hovering around 1.5 pounds or slightly less.

A large objective lens provides excellent light for clarity of sight picture (photo from YouTube).

For the 3-15x power scopes, this one is the better option. Having a larger tube and larger objective bell, the amount of light and clarity will be dramatically improved. The larger objective bell could lead to higher mounting, and that adjustment must be accounted for as well. However, overall this scope is better than the 3-15×44 scope, but just a little bit.

As we’ve said, know your target and expected distances. If you know you’re going to be in the lower to mid-range targets, than the 44mm objective lens is the better option. That will allow you to have easier turret adjustments. If, however, you expect medium to long-range engagements, the 52mm objective bell option (with its 30mm tube) is the way to go. Either option can be purchased at well below the MSRP from various online sources.

The Whiskey 5 (5-25×52) scope has the greatest magnification power.

Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (5-25×52) Scope

That brings us to the final Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 model, the 5-25×52 scope. This scope brings a lot of very nice features, with a magnification range for serious long-range shooting. This option should be reserved for shooters who know their targets are going to be at medium to long-range distances, where this scope will excel.

Often times I see scope buyers looking at the greatest magnification power as the holy grail. While a large magnification max is definitely a plus in some situations, it is really unnecessary in most shooting opportunities. If the shooter knows they are going to be shooting at targets out to no-more than 200 yards, spending the extra cash on a high-magnification scope is not wise and often can be detrimental to their shooting.

The Whiskey 5 (5-25×52) scope offers (2) illuminated reticles.

However, if the shooter is in a very open area for hunting, shooting, or even law enforcement applications, then a high-end magnification scope could be extremely valuable. Once again, know your target distance to know your scope.

The Whiskey 5 (5-25×52) scope offers two illuminated reticles familiar to those who have investigated this line. The HellFire™ Triplex and the HellFire™ Quadplex are both options. As stated before, the Triplex is the better of the two for clarity of sight picture (especially at longer distances). However, the further the target is, the more likely the center dot will become a hinderance to positive targeting position. Sometimes a simple crosshair (possibly with the center missing) is the best option for long-distance shooting.

The Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (5-25×52) scope is designed for shooters looking to reach maximum efficiency at long-range targets. Bringing all of the high-end features of the previous Whiskey 5 line of scopes, Sig Sauer broadens the target distance with a very nice long-distance magnification range.

The Sig Sauer Whiskey 5 (5-25×52) scope should really be reserved for those long-distance shooters who know their targets will be at longer distances. The features of the Whiskey 5 line of scopes will greatly enhance this scope’s ability to drop shots onto target at long-range.

At the same time, most shooters are confronted with shooting situations from 20-200 yards. If that is your situation, spending the extra money on a very high magnification scope is just throwing money at a problem and hoping for the best. In reality, the solution is found elsewhere in a scope that is more tailored for your individual needs and uses. If you know this range is your scope, there are internet vendors that can provide this scope for under $900.

Final Thoughts

Sig Sauer has already produced very impressive scopes in their Whiskey 3, and other lines, and the Whiskey 5 line continues this tradition. Their higher-end Tango 6 series of rifle scopes are very impressive, including additional optic benefits and exposed turrets. However, they enter into the price range that typically eliminates all but the most wealthy.

The new Whiskey 5 scopes offer an upper mid-level price range more affordable to a greater number of hunters and shooters. This decision by Sig Sauer is incredibly important for two reasons. First, Sig Sauer broadens their market appeal by providing quality optics for a more affordable price. Second, and perhaps more important for the market itself, is the enhancement of mid-level rifle scope features to a point not seen before.

By advancing the quality and features of mid-level rifle scopes, Sig Sauer is joining a growing trend in the rifle optic market. This is tremendously beneficial to everyone. Instead of the best features simply being added to more expensive brands, the entire rifle scope market is advancing without necessarily pricing the optics out of the range of the majority of shooters.

Aaron is a sergeant with a midwestern police department, where he serves as a trainer, supervisor and SWAT sniper. In addition to his broad tactical knowledge, Aaron has experience in DUI, DRE and undercover narcotics investigations.

Comments

actually found a whiskey 5 ,2.4x 12 x56mm scope on sale at atlantic tactical for $569.00 i had the cash on me so they threw in a set of sig 30 mm rings and a little allen wrench ,this scope beats out many competitors by a country mile ,can hit man sized targets out past 500 yds every shot center of mass ,it is mounted to a sig 716 patrol rifle in 308 caliber and likes 168 grain Winchester match ammo,i traded my ex gf for the rifle (just kidding)